Clutch mechanism for corn-planters.



APPLICATION FILED APR- 30. 1914.

Patented Mar. 21, 1916.

THE COLUMBIA PLANDuRAPl-l co. WASHINGTON, n. c.

orrrca.

EDWARD V. BURGESS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF. NEW JERSEY.

CLUTCH MECHANISM FOR CORN-PLANTERS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 21, 1916.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, EDWARD W. BURGESS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and use ful Improvements in Clutch Mechanism-for Uorn-Planters. of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

My invention relates to corn planters, and in particular to an improved form of clutch mechanism forming part of the associated mechanical elements that are operative to control the seed dropping mechanism in a variable manner at the will of the operator, and consists in an intermittently operating clutch mechanism connected with the feed shaft of a planter in a manner to transmit rotary movement thereto through its operative connection with the driving mechanism when tripped into action automatically, as by the check wire operativein a common way, or by manually operative means when controlled by the operator, andttoflmeans connected with the clutch'tripping mechanism and operative to vary the degree-of angular movement of the feed shaft whereby a variable number of kernels of corn may be dropped by the seed delivering mechanism connected with the feed shaft.

The object of the invention is to provide a clutch mechanism for the purpose indicated that will be positive in its operation,

comprising few parts, simple and cheaply constructed, and eiiicient and durable in operation. These objects are attained by means of mechanism, one embodimentof which is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which- Fig. 8 is a cross section of Fig. 2 along line Iii-B, and in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to the drawings, wherein the same reference characters designate like parts throughOutthe several views, 1 represents a transverse member of the runner frame structure of a corn planter, 2 the seed or feed shaft, and 3 the clutchtripping and'valve operating shaft that-may be rocked atstatedintervals bythe tappets upon the check wire in a well-known way;

4 represents a constantly rotatable sprocket wheelthat may be operatively connected with the driving mechanism of a planter. The sprocket wheel is journaled upon the feed shaft 2 and is permitted a longitudinal movement thereon in opposite directions between a pin 5 and a flange collar 6 secured to the feed shaft. The face of the flanged collar is provided with radially dlsposed clutch teeth 7 that are adapted to engage with like clutch teeth 8 upon the ad- ]acent end of the counterbore part 9 of the sprocket wheel 4, the sprocket wheel i being normally disengaged from the flanged col lar 6 by means of the expansive force of a spring 10 carried by the feed shaft 2 operative within-the counterbore and against the part 6. Rotatably mounted upon the clutch collar 6 is one end of a reciprocating clutch governing sleeve 11, its opposite end being reduced in diameter and journaled upon the feed shaft 2 and 12 represents an adjustable thimble carried by the feed shaft and controlled by a pin 13, the thimble being operative to regulate the extent of the longitudinal movement of the reciprocating clutch governing sleeve in one direction,'and 14 represents a compression spring carried by the feed shaft within the sleeve and operative between the clutch collar 6 and the end wall of the sleeve in a manner to normally hold the sleeve in contact with the thimble 12. The clutch governing sleevell, at the end journaled upon the clutch collar 6, is provided with a spirally disposed channel 15, preferably having a lead of one inch in the direction of the rotation of the sleeve and toward its opposite end, and 16 represents a longitudinally disposed arm integral with the sprocket wheel 4: and parallel with the'feed shaft 2 the arm being provided at its free end with an inwardly extending radially disposed stud 17, upon which is journaled a roller 18 that is operatively received by the spirally disposed channel 15. The clutch governing sleeve is also provided upon its periphery, adjacent the end of the channel 15, with a series of teeth 19 disposed parallel with the aXis of the feed shaft 2 and terminating at a reduced cylindrical part 20 of the sleeve.

21 represents a clutch tripping arm secured to the clutch tripping shaft 8 and provided at its free end with a pawl member 22 that is adapted to engage with the teeth 19, and a laterally turned stop wing 23 that engages with the cylindrical part of the sleeve in a manner to limit the extent of engagement of the pawl member 22 with the teeth as normally controlled by a tension spring 24, having one end connected 'Wliih the pawl and its opposite end with a'longitudinally adjustable member carried by "the runner frame member 1 of the planter.

- In operation the sprocketwheel 4 rotates freely upon the feed shaft 2 the' clutch governing sleeve 11 being held in the position shown by dotted lines in Fig. 2,

with thefpawl member 22 of the tripping arm 21 engaged with the ends of the teeth 19 and the shoulder between the reduced portion 20 and the teeth in a mannerv to retain the sleeve against a longitudinal 'movement through the expansive force of the spring 14 and permit it to rotate with the sprocket wheel and its arm 16, the clutch teeth 7 and '8 being disengaged by the ex-.

pansive force of the spring 10. When the clutch tripping shaft 3 is rocked by a checkwire or otherwise in a direction away from the axis of the feed shaft, it carries the free end of the clutch tripping arm 21 and its pawl member 22 away from engagement with the clutch governing sleeve 11 and the expansive force of the spring'l l immediately moves the sleeve longitudinally and rotatably against the thimble 12, as

shown by full lines in Fig. 2. and when the shaft 3 is released from the controlling i check wire the spring24, through its con.-

neetion with the tripping arm, rocks the shaft in an opposite direction and carries the pawl member 22 into engagement with the teeth 19 and suspends the rotative inove-' ment of the sleeve 11, the wing 23 resting upon the part 20 of the sleeve. Then the rotative movement of the sleeve is arrested the arm 16 will first draw the sprocket wheel 4 into engagement with the fixed clutch member 6, the expansive force of the spring 14 being sufliciently greater thanthat of the spring 10 to compel suchengagement; then the arm will draw the sleeve 11 toward the sprocket wheel as the roller 18 traverses the channel 15 and follows its lead. The sleeve will bedrawn in that direction until the teeth 19 have passed beyond the pawl member 22 and the cylindrical part'20 beyond the wing 23, when thearm 21. will'swing toward the axis of the feed shaft under the force of the spring 24: and the pawl member 22 will engagethe shoulder between the mitted through the arm 16'; the sprocket wheel 4 being disengaged from the fixed clutch member 6 simultaneously with the re and the rotative movement of the feedshaft 2 ceases, the degree of angular movement of the feed shaft being determined by the rotative movement of thefsp rocket wheel 4 while in engagement with the fixed clutch member 6, and theengagement of such parts .of the clutch mechanism determined by the extent of longitudinal movement of the clutch governing sleeve 11, and such movement of the sleeve isdetermined by the posi- I tion of adjustmentof the thimble. 12 rela? tive to the pin 13, the thimble being provided with a series of open ended slots designatedi'by the index numbers 2, 3rand 4, When the thimble is adjusted with the 'pin received by the slot 4, the parts will be in the position as shown by full lines in Figs. 1 and 2', and it will require one complete revolution of the sprocketwheel'4; to

draw the sleeve 11 far enough to permit the pawl 22 to'be disengaged from the teeth 19. The slot 3 is stepped r} of an inch shorter than Landif the thimble be adjusted with the pin in slot- 3, it will require of a revo lution of the sprocket wheel to'draw the.

sleeve to the same point.

The slot 2 is V stepped of an inch shorter than 4, and if the pin is received thereby it will require V of a revolution of the sprocket wheel to draw the sleeve to the same point, and the feed shaft ,2? is givenan angular movement of substantially the same degree as is required by the sprocket Wheel to draw the sleeve to the point indicated, which may be either a complete i or of a revolution. Itisusual in lantersto provid seed plates g sixteen receiving cells and to turn the plate through a of a revolution to carry four kernels to' the seed ortlet, such angular movement of the plate requiring one com-f plete revolution of the feed shaft with which it is 'operatively connected. In thisjinven: tion by adjusting the thimble l2 ofthe mechanlsm asshown, the seed dropping mechanism may be controlled in a variable manner to deliver two, three, or four kernels as desired. v 5 Having shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, I do not wish that it be confined closely to the precise details of construction, as many changes may be made in the form, assemblage and proportion of its parts without departing from the spirit of my invention. a

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by-Letters Patent, is: i ii 1. In a seed planter, a feed shaft, aclutch mechanism comprising means for im-' parting a whole o'rfa part of its revolution thereto, and a single trip ling said clutch mechanism. h 1 v 2. In a seed planter, a feed shaft, a driv--- ing member thereon, a driven member there mg-and governing means carried on said single arm forcontrolshaft at one side of said driving and driven members for connecting the two during a whole or part of a revolution.

3. In a seed planter, the combination of a feed shaft, a constantly rotating member adapted to be connected therewith, governing means for intermittently connecting said constantly rotating member with the feed shaft for a whole or a part of a revolution, and a single trip arm for controlling said governing means.

; 4. In a seed planter, the combination of a feed shaft, a clutch member thereon laterally shiftable and capable of engagement therewith for variable periods, and a single arm normally engaging with said clutch,

member for holding it disengaged and adapted to be released intermittently to permit said clutch memberto engage.

5. In a seed planter, the combination of a seed shaft, clutch members thereon, governing means having a rotative and reciprocal movement and capable of causing engagement of said clutch members during its reciprocal movement and disengagement during its rotative movement, and a single arm for alternately suspending both of said movements.

6. Ina clutch mechanism for planters, an intermittently rotatable shaft, a constantly rotatable clutch member .journaled upon said shaft and permitted longitudinal movement thereon, a second clutch member secured to said shaft and adapted to coact' with said constantly rotatable clutch member to transmit motion to said shaft, a rotary reciprocating clutch governing member journaled upon said shaft, and a clutch trip ping pawl controlling the action of said clutch governing member.

7. In a clutch mechanism intermittently rotatable shaft, a constantly rotatable clutch member journaled upon said shaft and permitted longitudinal movement thereon, a second clutch member secured to said shaft and adapted to coact with said constantly rotatable clutch member to transmit motion to said shaft, a reciprocating clutch governing member journaled upon said shaft, means carried by said constantly rotatable clutch member operative to move said clutch governing member toward said constantly rotatable clutchmember, and a clutch tripping pawl coacting with said means in a manner to control the action of said clutch governing member.

8. In a clutch mechanism for planters, an intermittently rotatable shaft, a constantly rotatable clutch member journaled upon said shaft and permitted longitudinal mo vement thereon, a second clutch member secured to said shaft and adapted to coact with said constantly rotatable clutch mem. ber to transmit motion to said shaft, a reciprocating clutch governing member jourfor planters, an

naled upon said shaft, means carried by said constantly rotatable clutch member operative to move said clutch governing member toward said constantly rotatable clutch member, a compression spring operative to move said clutch governing member in an opposite direction, and a clutch tripping pawl coacting with said means in a manner to control the action of said clutch governing member.

9.. In a clutch mechanism for planters, an intermittently rotatable feed shaft, a constantly rotatable clutch member journaled upon said shaft and permitted a limited longitudinal movement thereon, a clutch member secured to said shaft and adapted to engage with said constantly rotatable clutch member, a spring operative to normally disengage said clutch members, a reciprocating clutch governing member journaled upon said shaft, and means carried by said constantly rotatable clutch member and engaging with said clutch governing member in a manner to carry said clutch members into engagement.

10. In a clutch mechanism for planters, an intermittently rotatable feed shaft, a constantly rotatable clutch member journaled upon said shaft and permitted a limited longitudinal movement thereon, a clutch member secured to said shaft and adapted to engage with said constantly rotatable clutch member, a spring operative to disengage said vclutch members, a reciprocating clutch governing member journaled upon said a manner to carry said clutch members into engagement.

11. In a clutch mechanism for planters, an intermittently rotatable feed shaft, a constantly rotatable clutch member journaled upon said shaft and'permitted a limited longitudinal movement thereon, a clutch member secured to said shaft and adapted to engage with said constantly rotatable clutch. member, a spring operative to disengage said clutch members, a reciprocating clutch governing member journaled upon said feed shaft and provided with a spirally disposed channel leading axially thereof, an arm carried by said constantly rotatable clutch member and engaging with said channel in a manner to draw said clutch governing member toward said constantly rotatable clutch member, and a spring operative to move it in an opposite direction.

12. In a clutch mechanism for planters, an intermittently rotatable feed shaft, a constantly rotatable clutch member journaled upon said shaft and permitted a limited longitudinal movement thereon, a clutch engage with said-constantly rotatable clutch member, a spring operative to disengage said clutch members, a reciprocatingclutch governingmember journaled' upon said feed shaft and provided with a spirally disposed channel leading axially thereof,'an arm car ried by said constantly rotatable clutch member and engaging with'said channelin a manner to draw said clutch governing member toward said constantly rotatable clutch member, a-clutch-tripping rock shaft,

and a pawl carrying arm secured to said rockshaft and'controlling the movement of said clutch governing mechanism. 7 a

13. In a clutch mechanism for planters,

an intermittently rotatable feed shaft,a constantly rotatable clutch member journaled constantly rotatable clutch member, and en-- gaging withsaid channel in a manner to draw said shell toward said constantly rotatable clutch member, a'spring'operative to'movesaid shell in an opposite direction,

a clutch tripping rock shaft, and-a pawl arm secured to said shaftand adapted to periodically engage the teeth upon said shell.

' '14. In a clutch mechanism for planters, an intermittently rotatable feed shaft, a con-- stantly rotatable clutch member journaled upon said shaft and permitted a limited longitudinal movement thereon, a clutch member secured to said shaft and. adapted to engage with. said constantly rotatable clutch member, a spring operative to disengage said clutch members, EI'YIGCIPIOCZLtIIIg clutch governing cylindrical shell journaled upon said feed shaft and provided with a spirally disposed channel leading axiallythereof,an arm carried by'said constantly rotatable clutch member and engaging with said channel in a manner to draw said shell' toward said constantly rotatable clutch member, a spring operative to move said 'shellm an opposite direction, and means for varying the extent of a movement of said shell.

15. In a clutch mechanism for planters, an intermittently rotatable feed shaft, a con reciprocating stantly rotatable clutch member journaledupon said shaft and permitted a limited longitudinal movement thereon, a clutch memes s'ectredta 'S'aia shaft and? adapted to l engage with said constantly rotatable clutch member, asprin g operative to disengage 'rsaid clutch members,- areciprocating clutch governing cylindrical shelljournalecl upon said feed shaft and provided with a spirally disposed channel leading axially thereof, an arm carried by said constantly rctatable'iclutch member and engaging with said channel in a-manner to draw said shelltoward, said. constantly rotatable clutch member, a spring operative to move said shell in an opposite direction, and a thimble carried by said feed shaft andadjustable longitudinally thereon in a manner to regit late the extent of a reciprocatingmovement 16. In a clutch mechanism for planters, an intermittently rotatable feed shaft,aconstantly rotatable clutch member journaled upon] said shaft and permitted a limited longitudinal "movement thereon, a second clutch member secured to said} shaft and adapted to engage .With said constantly roclutch governing member.

"'17. In a clutch mechanism for planters;

an intermittently f rotatable shaft," a constantly rotatable clutch member 'journa'led upon said shaft, a second clutch member securedto said shaft and adaptedto coact with said constantly rotatable clutchfmem berto transmit motion to said shaft-at predetermined fintervals, a' reciprocating r'otatable clutch governing cylindrical shell" journaledupon said shaft and actuated by said constantly, rotatable clutch membe 7 said shell being provided with teeth upon, its periphery, a tripping rock shaft, a pawl carrying arm secured to said rock shaft and adapted to engage said teeth at predetermined intervals in a mannerfto suspend a rotary movement and permit a longitudinal movement thereof, said pawl locking said I reciprocating member against a longitudi-' nal movement when said. reciprocating tance.

ember has traveled a predetermined dis- In, testimony whereof I aflix my sigfnm ture, in the presence of two witnesses.

V Witnesses: I V CLYDEVG; PALMER, WILLIAM ELLIS.

EDWARD W. UR-onset Gopies of this patentmay, be Qbtained'for five cents each, byraddressing the pommissioneri of Patents:

7 v v I, s g m 'qr I i i 

